I’m writing anonymously because I am an NOBTS student and I don’t care to make my name known. I don’t plan on disparaging anyone so I don’t think my name is important, but let it suffice to say that I’ve spent quite a bit of time at NOBTS, certainly far more than Tyler. What many, including you Timmy, may not realize was the impact that Hurricane Katrina had on the faculty of NOBTS. Not only did it wipe out most of the housing on campus, it also robbed the school of at least four theology and/or biblical studies faculty members who were Calvinists. They have either not been replace, or replaced with non-Calvinists. I don’t think that makes Lemke or Kelley bad administrators. No one said SBC seminary faculties needed to be balanced like the Supreme Court. However, I would find it quite probable (as I knew very well 3 of the 4 faculty members who left) that these faculty members would have personally confronted Lemke over his article. In addition, another theology faculty member (although not a Calvinist) who left not long after Katrina (though not because of the storm) who happens to be speaking at John 3.16 as well would have at least challenged Lemke on his errors. While they mostly agree theologically, they are miles apart as it pertains to treating issues fairly. I have had multiple classes with Lemke and, as it pertains to Calvinism, he has absolutely no objectivity. He is unfair towards Calvinists and I actually saw him railroad a student’s presentation on the issue of free will and compatiblism. NOBTS, pre-Katrina, was the largest of the 6 SBC seminaries and, in my opinion, was the best place to study because the theology and biblical studies faculty was evenly balanced on the issue of Calvinism and because the city was a great place for ministry. Since there has been such an exodus of good faculty members (though I think some fine men and women are still there), I no longer recommend the school to students looking for an education (which saddens me, by the way).

Four brief things in response:

1. You are not the first who has communicated to me via the blog and email that they will be looking elsewhere for theological education, largely in part to Lemke’s example.

2. My stats tell me that several from that NOBTS message board have visited in recent weeks. I hope they receive a balanced perspective on Lemke’s lopsided caricatures.

3. The terminology has always been used as a power play in the SBC. If you can define (or redefine) the terms, you are halfway to winning an argument. If it isn’t hyper, then it is extreme, or aggressive, or “five point,” or something else. I have become convinced that the anti-Calvinists are far less concerned in seeking understanding as much as they are playing the label game for their own purposes.

4. If you look at the demographics of the John316 conference and the trends of NOBTS and SWBTS verses SBTS and SEBTS, you will find where the future of the SBC can be found.